From well-known forms such as ju-jutsu, karate, tae-kwon-do, aikido, t'ai-chi chu'an, and kung-fu to the less familiar practices of kyudo, kendo, and yabusame, this encyclopedic reference defines the terms and describes the moves, motivations, and contest rules for all of the major martial arts. Comprehensive and well-illustrated, its alphabetically arranged entries cover not only the technical and historical details of each martial art, but a wide range of weaponry, influential practitioners from Miyamoto Musashi to Bruce Lee, techniques such as ibuki and ki-ai, and concepts such as do, qi, shen, and wa. Hundreds of diagrams and drawings illustrate the finer points of all techniques. Cross references further clarify the relationships between the martial arts of one country and another and between related styles. Clear and detailed in its explanations, this is the book that no martial-arts enthusiast can do without.

An ideal introduction and comprehensive survey for both the novice and the experienced martial artist, this highly readable and complete martial arts handbook covers Karate, Kendo, Kung Fu, Judo, and Aikido, as well as the lesser known disciplines of Budo, Hapkido, and the Thai martial arts. 150 line drawings. Glossary.

A detailed anthology and analysis of fundamental martial arts writings from the ancient and modern worlds, from Lao Tzu's Taoist principles of striving for the natural to Musashi's classic writings on swordsmanship and discipline, is complemented by editor commentary on why the martial arts exert in